NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – In an effort to become more financially independent from the city of Newport News, The Virginia Living Museum is taking charge of its future with a fundraising campaign.

The “Future Ready” campaign is part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Administrators hope to raise $5 million over the next year. This money will reduce the non-profit’s dependence on city funding. It will also go toward adding a permanent dinosaur trail, a new animal care facility, as well as increasing and improving community education projects.